How to install APK on Xiaomi TV Stick: all ways with and without unlocking

Installing third-party applications on Xiaomi TV Stick or Xiaomi Mi TV Stick 4K gives access to thousands of APK- files that are not available in the official Google Play store. These can be alternative media players (Kodi, VLC), game emulators (RetroArch), or specialized utilities for IPTV. However, by default, the Android ZXQPH0006 system blocks the installation of security sources and does not know the case.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install APK on Xiaomi 2020-2026 consoles, including bypassing the restrictions of MIUI TV. You will learn how to properly prepare a file, what settings to change, and what to do if the system gives an error "Parse Error" or "App not installed."

⚠️ Important: Installing APK from unverified sources can result in a Google account being blocked on your device (if the app violates security policies) or malware infection.

1.Preparation: What to do before installing an APK

Before you start installing, make sure your Xiaomi TV Stick is ready for the procedure.

• 📁 APK- file - download it only from trusted sources (APKMirror, the developer's official website). Avoid torrents and obscure forums.
• 🔌 USB- drive (if you install it from a flash drive) is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT. Volume is not important, but read speed affects installation speed.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection – if you download the file directly to the console via the browser.
• ⚙️ Remote with microphone (optional) – makes it easier to type text when searching for files.

Also check your device’s firmware version. Go to Settings → About Device → MIUI TV version. Current models (Xiaomi TV Stick 4K 2023, Mi TV Stick 2022) run on Android TV 11/12, where the installation process is different from older versions (Android TV 9).

⚠️ Warning: On consoles with MIUI TV 5.0+ (released after 2021), you may need to disable the malware protection feature in the security menu, otherwise the system will block the installation even after permissions for unknown sources.

2 Method 1: Install APK via file manager (without PC)

The easiest method is to download the APK directly to the console and install it through the built-in file manager, suitable for users who do not have a computer at hand.

Step 1: Allow installation from unknown sources

1. Open Settings → Applications → Security and Restrictions
2. Find the item "Unknown sources" and turn on the switch for "File Manager" (or "Browser", if you download through the browser).
3. Confirm the action by pressing “OK” in the warning window.

Step 2. Download APK to the console

• 🌐 Open a browser (Google Chrome or built-in TV Browser).
• 🔍 Go to the site from APK (e.g. apkmirror.com) and find the application you want.
• ⬇️ Download the file. Note the bitiness: Xiaomi TV Stick is good for arm64-v8a or universal.

Step 3. Install the application

1. Open the File Manager (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Download (or Downloads) folder where the APK is saved.
3. Select the file and click "Install".
4. Confirm the permissions and wait for the process to end.

⚠️ Warning: If an "App not installed" error appears during installation, check:

• APK is compatible with the Android TV version (for example, the Android 13 app won’t be installed on Android TV 9).
• File integrity – it may not have fully downloaded (check the size).
• Having an old version of the app – if it’s already installed, delete it first.

3 Method 2: Installation of APK with USB- drive

If downloading directly to the console is difficult (for example, due to slow Internet), you can use a flash drive, which is also suitable for installing large files (for example, emulators or modified firmware).

Step 1 Prepare USB- drive

• 📌 Format the flash drive to FAT32 (via Settings → Memory → Format as internal on PC).
• 📁 Copy APK- the file into the drive root folder (not nested!).
• ⚡ Use the USB-powered hub if the flash drive requires a lot of power (relevant to the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K single port).

Step 2. Connect the flash drive to the console.

1. Insert the USB- drive into the Xiaomi TV Stick port (or into the hub if you use an adapter).
2. Wait for the notice "USB-drive-in".
3. Open the file manager → USB- drive.

Step 3. Install APK

Find the file in the list, highlight it, and click "Install." If the button is inactive, check:

• 🔒 Permissions for unknown sources (as in Method 1).
• 📛 File name – must not contain Cyrillic or special characters (e.g., app_v1.2(1).apk may not open.

4 Method 3: Installation of APK via ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for installing system applications or when standard methods don't work. Requires a Windows/Linux/Mac computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step 1. Enable USB debugging on the console

1. Go to Settings. → About the device.
2. Click 7 times on the item "Build number" (the notification "You became a developer").
3. Go back to the Settings → For developers and turn on:

Step 2. Connect the console to the PC

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
• 🔌 Connect Xiaomi TV Stick to your PC via USB- cable (use OTG port if necessary).
• 🐍 Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and check the connection:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter the command to install:

adb install /path/to/file/app.apk

Step 3: Solving Common ADB Errors

adb -s [ID_ Devices] install app.apk

ID You can find out through Adb devices.-->

5. How to bypass the installation lock on new MIUI TV firmware

Starting with MIUI TV 5.0 (2022), Xiaomi tightened its security policy, which means that even after the permission of unknown sources, the system can block the installation with the error "For security reasons, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps."

Method 1. Disabling MIUI protection

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Special access.
2. Select "Install Unknown Applications" and enable access for File Manager and Browser.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → Privacy → Protection from malicious applications and disable it.

Method 2: Use of bypasses

• 📲 Install an alternative file manager (e.g., FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) through Google Play – they sometimes bypass the limitations of MIUI.
• 🔄 If APK is not installed, rename it app-release.apk (sometimes helps).
• 🔧 For system applications (e.g. YouTube Vanced), use ADB with the command:

adb install --bypass-low-target app.apk

💡

On MIUI TV 6.0+ firmware (2023-2026), the only reliable way to install APK is through ADB or through the App Installer app from Uptodown.

6 How to remove the APK- app installed

If the app is not working properly or you no longer need it, remove it through the standard settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application in the list and select it.
3. Click "Delete" and confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: Some APK (especially modified) may not appear in the application list.

• Use ADB to uninstall:

adb uninstall com.package.name

(You can find out the name of the package via adb shell pm list packages | grep "app name")

• Or install App Inspector from Google Play to find hidden apps.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the correct installation of APKs, there may be failures, and let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Application Name] → Open in Compatibility Mode.
2. Select "Android TV" or "Phone Mode".

It'll help if APK designed for smartphones.-->

FAQ: Answers to popular questions